Top Local Headlines

Audio Stories

January 2010

This weekend marks the 10th anniversary of an airliner crash off the Ventura County coastline which claimed 88 lives. KCLU's Lance Orozco reports hundreds of family members, and friends are headed to the county for a series of events to remember those who died in the crash of Alaska Airlines Flight 261.

An expert from a Santa Barbara County relief agency is back home, after spending ten days in earthquake torn Haiti. KCLU's Lance Orozco talks with him about the situation, and what future needs are for the disaster zone.

They're cute, fuzzy looking puppets. But, they're not like the ones we grew up with, because they talk about issues ranging from unemployment, to sexual orientation. KCLU's Lance Orozco talks with some of the cast members of "Avenue Q", a road version of the highly acclaimed Broadway musical which is visiting the region.

For the second time in less than a week, what appeared to witnesses to be a tornado touched down in a South Coast neighborhood, causing damage to trees, cars, and some homes. Fortunately, no one was hurt. KCLU's Lance Orozco reports from East Ventura.

A exhibition opening at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum tries to give people a taste of what it's like to be sent by your country off to war. KCLU's Lance Orozco reports the exhibition has artifacts from a trrop transport ship which took tens of thousands of soldiers to Vietnam in the 1960's.

There's been heavy rain, and what witnesses say was a tornado in Santa Barbara County from the most recent in a series of storms to hit the region. KCLU's Lance Orozco reports on the damage caused by the storm, as well as preparations to deal with more rain in the forecast.

A non-profit marine science center in Ventura County is allowing teenage students to take part in a global genetic mapping project, helping to create a landmark new data base for research, as well as practical applications. KCLU's Lance Orozco has the story, from Ventura Harbor.

He's hosted what many call America's most intelligent television interview show for close to two decades. Charlie Rose is speaking at Santa Barbara's Arlington Theater on Saturday, January 16th. KCLU's Jim Rodeau reports.

Ventura County leaders have once again dipped into the controversial topic of the future of one of the county's top elected posts. KCLU's Lance Orozco reports they've been looking at ideas like perhaps merging the treasurer-tax collector's duties with other positions.

Ocean research, conservation, and education are coming together in a new, multi-million dollar education facility being built on the South Coast. KCLU's Lance Orozco gives us a look at the project, which is being built at U.C. Santa Barbara after years of planning.

A South Coast community admits it has an image problem, and is trying to do something about it, to improve business and tourism. KCLU's Lance Orozco looks at Oxnard's project to spiff up how it's viewed.

A team of federal researchers, hydrologists, and other scientists is trying to help us learn more about predicting mudslides in brushfire burn areas. KCLU's Lance Orozco gives us a look at the project, which this winter and spring includes one of the recent burn areas in Santa Barbara County.

State budget, and tax reform...protection for California's educational systems against more budget cuts...and a drive to get more funding from the federal government are just a part of the Governor's agenda for 2010. KCLU's Lance Orozco gives us an in-depth look at the Governor's "Statte of the State" address, and talks to a local political expert about the proposals.

Santa Barbara County is finally moving ahead with construction of a key new facility to help deal with emergencies like brushfires, and flash floods. KCLU's Lance Orozco reports on the debate surrounding the long delayed effort.